‘This will not be a repeat of Florence.’ SC Gov. McMaster optimistic ahead of Michael

Why a different SC response with Michael? McMaster explains

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster explains why the state's response to Hurricane Michael is different from Hurricane Florence at a press conference in Aiken, SC October 10, 2018.

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South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster explains why the state's response to Hurricane Michael is different from Hurricane Florence at a press conference in Aiken, SC October 10, 2018.

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Hours after Hurricane Michael touched down in the Florida panhandle as a strong Category 4 storm, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster seemed optimistic about the outlook for the Palmetto State.

From an Emergency Management Office in Aiken, McMaster compared the nearing Michael to last month’s Hurricane Florence.

“This will not be, as far as we can tell, a repeat of what we saw in Florence,” McMaster said. “It will not be like Hugo. It will be high winds and a good bit of water.”

Forecasters at the National Weather Service said Tuesday that Hurricane Michael could hit parts of South Carolina harder than Hurricane Florence in some ways. While the latest storm isn’t expected to dump as much rain on the Palmetto State as its predecessor, winds are expected to be stronger in some areas.

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During Florence, South Carolina saw record flooding, McMaster said. Now, the state is expecting to see 2 to 6 inches of rain during Hurricane Michael, he added.

The governor did mention concerns for flash flooding in the already-waterlogged Pee Dee region. With the ground already saturated with waters from Florence, McMaster said he was concerned over whether new rainfall would create a new flooding issue.

“This is just a reminder that we live in hurricane alley,” McMaster said.

S.C. Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson urged residents to nevertheless be prepared for the storm. Until first responders can hit the streets, residents may be on their own, he said.

On Wednesday, McMaster issued an order keeping South Carolina in a state of emergency and allowing resources deployed during Hurricane Florence to stay in play.

Here is what to expect this week as Hurricane Michael comes toward South Carolina.

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The American Red Cross began opening shelters across the state. Residents can seek shelter at the following locations:

3765 Leeds Avenue – North Charleston – Opened at noon

First Baptist Church of Barnwell – 161 Allen Street, Barnwell – Opened at 2 p.m.

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